A Serious Consideration

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 24, 1907

A Serious Consideration

The year 1906 went out with a number of very serious calamities in the record of its last days. In fact, it has been denominated by some writers as the year of catastrophies.

The year 1907 has been ushered in with a similar accompaniment, and bids fair to rival its predecessor. At no time has there been such a storm of earthquakes throughout the world as during the weeks just past. They have occurred in Russia, in the Scandinavian Peninsula, and other parts of Europe, in Scotland, in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, and now comes this fearfully destructive one on the island of Jamaica. With good intentions scientists are seeking to quiet the apprehension and fears of the people by explaining that these earth tremors are but the regular processes of normal mountain growth. Mountains may have been elevated in certain countries by these earth contortions. In other localities they have sunk under the same process. In fact, the shore at Kingston is reported to be sinking now, and there is much fear that the site of the city may be wholly engulfed. Visitors are leaving as fast as possible.

The truth of the matter is that there is nothing normal about it. The shaking of a palsied man is not an indication that the processes of normal growth are being worked out in him. It is an indication of disintegration, a sign of his approaching end. Even so it is with this sin-sick earth. On no day of the year do the fearful forces that are working her dissolution cease their activity. There have been earthquakes in the past, serious ones; but these phenomena are increasing with wonderful rapidity. Our Saviour declared that when his return was near at hand, there would be “earthquakes in divers places.” On one day last week earthquakes were reported from various places in both Europe and America. This certainly indicates that we are in the day of his preparation. Look at the recent record: St. Pierre, St. Vincent, Guatemala, San Francisco, Valparaiso, and Kingston, aggregating so many thousands of dead and injured, and so many millions of dollars’ worth of property destroyed. In connection with this testimony which the earth itself is giving, let us put that statement of the spirit of prophecy, recently reiterated, that we are much nearer the close of this earth’s history than many of us believe.

The time to work is short, and there is a mighty work yet to be done. Let us heed the admonition, “Get ready; get ready.” That includes both the doing of the work and the acquiring of that preparation which will make our work successful.